Twenty-five homeless veterans in Skagit County will receive permanent housing through a grant announced today by Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02. The 25 housing vouchers totaling $144,969 are awarded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH). The Skagit County Housing Authority will administer the vouchers. Larsen has been a supporter of funding for the HUD-VASH program.
“Too many local veterans are struggling with homelessness,” Larsen said. “I take it as one of my highest responsibilities as a member of Congress to ensure that the brave women and men who served their country in the military get the support they have earned and deserve when they return home. These grants will help 25 Skagit County veterans get permanent housing and on the path to independence.”
Eligible veterans are identified through Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities (VAMC) based on the duration of homelessness and their need for longer term intensive support. The HUD-VASH program includes rental assistance and comprehensive case management through the VAMC. Veterans who participate in the HUD-VASH program rent privately owned housing and contribute no more than 30 percent of their own income toward rent.
Earlier this month Larsen signed a letter of support for full funding of the HUD-VASH program in 2013.
